利用单轴压强下的电阻变化研究铁基超导体中的向列涨落

铁基超导体中普遍存在着反铁磁、超导和向列相,因此研究向列相的性质及其与反铁磁、超导的关系对于理解铁基超导体的低能物理及高温超导电性具有非常重要的作用.所谓向列相是指电子态自发破缺了晶格的面内四重旋转对称性而形成的有序态,从而导致样品的某些物理性质出现了两重的各向异性.我们通过自主研发的单轴压强装置,可以在低温下原位改变压强,测量电阻的变化,从而得到向列极化率.本文介绍了我们利用该装置在最近几年研究铁基超导体的向列相和向列涨落所取得的一些成果,包括详细研究了BaFe_(2-x)Ni_xAs_2体系中的向列量子临界点及其量子临界涨落,并提出了基于向列涨落强弱调节的铁基超导体统一相图.这些结果表明,向列相及其涨落与反铁磁和超导均有很强的耦合,对于理解铁基超导体中磁性和超导电性非常关键.     

Vortex liquid crystals in anisotropic type II superconductors

In an isotropic type II superconductor in a moderate magnetic field, the transition to the normal state occurs by vortex lattice melting. In certain anisotropic cases, the vortices acquire elongated cross sections and interactions. Systems of anisotropic, interacting constituents generally exhibit liquid crystalline phases. We examine the possibility of a two step melting in homogeneous type II superconductors with anisotropic superfluid stiffness from a vortex lattice into first a vortex smectic and then a vortex nematic at high temperature and magnetic field. We find that fluctuations of the ordered phase favor an instability to an intermediate smectic-A in the absence of intrinsic pinning.     

Nodal versus nodeless behaviors of the order parameters of LiFeP and LiFeAs superconductors from magnetic penetration-depth measurements

High-precision measurements of magnetic penetration depth λ in clean single crystals of LiFeAs and LiFeP superconductors reveal contrasting behaviors. In LiFeAs the low-temperature λ(T) shows a flat dependence indicative of a fully gapped state, which is consistent with previous studies. In contrast, LiFeP exhibits a T-linear dependence of superfluid density infinity λ(-2), indicating a nodal superconducting order parameter. A systematic comparison of quasiparticle excitations in the 1111, 122, and 111 families of iron-pnictide superconductors implies that the nodal state is induced when the pnictogen height from the iron plane decreases below a threshold value of ~1.33 ?.     

Coexistence model of anisotropic electron hole pairing and unconventional superconductivity in Heavy Fermion compounds

Various Heavy Fermion compounds exhibit unconventional superconductivity together with another electronic instability like a spin density wave or possibly a more general type of anisotropic electron-hole pairing, e.g. a spin nematic state. The coexistence behaviour of these order parameters is studied within a simple weak coupling model. It is found that depeding on the symmetry of the order parameters coexistence or phase expulsion may occur. Whereas the former case is possibly realized for theU-based superconductors, CeCu₂Si₂ may be an example of the second case as observed and discussed in the context of elastic constant anomalies.     

Quasi-long-range order in nematics confined in random porous media

We study the effect of random porous matrices on the ordering in nematic liquid crystals. The randomness destroys orientational long-range order and drives the liquid crystal into a glass state. We predict two glass phases, one of which possesses quasi-long-range order. In this state the correlation length is infinite and the correlation function of the order parameter obeys a power dependence on the distance. The small-angle light-scattering amplitude diverges but slower than in the bulk nematic. In the uniaxially strained porous matrices two new phases emerge. One type of strain induces an anisotropic quasi-long-range-ordered state while the other stabilizes nematic long-range order.     

Nonlinear uniaxial pressure dependence of the resistivity in Sr_(1-x)Ba_xFe_(1.97)Ni_(0.03)As_2

Nematic order and its fluctuations have been widely found in iron-based superconductors. Above the nematic order transition temperature, the resistivity shows a linear relationship with the uniaxial pressure or strain along the nematic direction and the normalized slope is thought to be associated with nematic susceptibility. Here we systematically studied the uniaxial pressure dependence of the resistivity in Sr_(1-x)Ba_xFe_(1.97)Ni_(0.03)As_2, where nonlinear behaviors are observed near the nematic transition temperature. We show that it can be well explained by the Landau theory for the second-order phase transitions considering that the external field is not zero. The effect of the coupling between the isotropic and nematic channels is shown to be negligible. Moreover, our results suggest that the nature of the magnetic and nematic transitions in Sr_(1-x)Ba_xFe_2As_2 is determined by the strength of the magnetic-elastic coupling.     

Crossover from dilute to majority spin freezing in two leg ladder system Sr(Cu,Zn)2O3

The two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in moderate magnetic fields in ultraclean AlAs-GaAs heterojunctions exhibits transport anomalies suggestive of a compressible anisotropic metallic state. Using scaling arguments and Monte Carlo simulations, we develop an order parameter theory of an electron nematic phase. The observed temperature dependence of the resistivity anisotropy behaves like the orientational order parameter if the transition to the nematic state occurs at a finite temperature T(c) approximately 65 mK, and is slightly rounded by a small background microscopic anisotropy. We propose a light scattering experiment to measure the critical susceptibility.     

ARPES studies of the electronic structure of LaOFe(P, As)

We report a comparison study of LaOFeP and LaOFeAs, two parent compounds of recently discovered iron-pnictide superconductors, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Both systems exhibit some common features that are very different from well-studied cuprates. In addition, important differences have also been observed between these two ferrooxypnictides. For LaOFeP, quantitative agreement can be found between our photoemission data and the LDA band structure calculations, suggesting that a weak coupling approach based on an itinerant ground state may be more appropriate for understanding this new superconducting compound. In contrast, the agreement between LDA calculations and experiments in LaOFeAs is relatively poor, as highlighted by the unexpected Fermi surface topology around (π, π). Further investigations are required for a comprehensive understanding of the electronic structure of LaOFeAs and related compounds.     

铁基超导体的输运性质

在铁基超导体中存在着多种有序态,例如电子向列相和自旋密度波等,从而呈现出丰富的物理现象.输运性质的测量能为认识铁基超导体的低能激发提供极为有用的信息.铁砷超导体由于其电子结构的多能带特性,其电阻率和霍尔系数与温度的关系出现多样性的变化,但在正常态并没有看到有类似铜氧化物超导体的赝能隙打开等奇异行为.在空穴型掺杂的铁基超导体中观测到霍尔系数在低温下变号,对应温区的电阻率上出现一个很宽的鼓包等,可能是从非相干到相干态的转变.热电势行为也表现出与铜氧化物超导体的明显差异,比如铁基超导体的正常态热电势的绝对值反而在最佳掺杂区是最大的,这也许跟强的带间散射有关.能斯特效应表明铁基超导体在Tc以上的超导位相涨落并不明显,与铜氧化物超导体存在明显差别.在铁基超导体上所显示出来的这些反常热电性质,并没有在类似结构的镍基超导体(如LaNiAsO)上观测到,镍基超导体表现得更像一个通常的金属.这些均说明铁基超导体的奇异输运性质与其高温超导电性存在内在的关联,这些因素是建立其超导机理时需要考虑进去的.     

Monte Carlo模拟空间各向异性势向列相液晶微滴

基于分子两体势,用Monte Carlo方法计算向列相液晶微滴.两体势基于格点模型,是空间各向异性的且依赖于液晶的弹性常数.假定向列相液晶微滴具有自由表面,引入切向内禀强度定量描写表面引发的分子内禀易取向的强弱.通过各向异性势的两种方案,在低温下计算切向内禀强度和二阶序参数在微滴内不同区域的变化,与Lebwohl-Lasher模型作对比分析.结果表明:只有一种方案在微滴表面产生内禀易取向,且内禀强度值的大小与K₃₃/K₁₁值有关;空间不完整的向列相液晶使得微滴由内层到外层有序度越来越低.     

Tunneling spectroscopy and order parameter symmetry of hole- and electron-doped cuprate superconductors

In tunneling spectroscopy of superconductors the density of states close to the surface or the interface to an insulating tunneling barrier is probed. For d-wave superconductors the particle–hole coherence results in interesting new phenomena at surfaces such as the formation of bound surface states at the Fermi level by Andreev reflection due to a sign change of the order parameter field in different k -directions. The probing of these states represents a phase-sensitive experiment allowing the determination of the order parameter symmetry in superconductors. We summarize the present experimental status with respect to the study of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). We discuss theoretically predicted consequences of a dominating d-wave order parameter in the hole-doped HTS on their tunneling spectra as well as on the physics of high-temperature superconductor Josephson junctions. A comparison of the tunneling spectra obtained for hole- and electron-doped HTS leads to the conclusion that the former have a d-wave, whereas the latter most likely have an anisotropic s-wave order parameter. We also address some unsettled questions related to the presence of a state with broken time-reversal symmetry at surfaces and interfaces of d-wave HTS and discuss specific features of d-wave tunnel junctions that have been predicted theoretically but still not been confirmed in experiments.     

Exploring the relationship between the magnetic frustration and the emergence of FFLO state on a triangular lattice

The Fulde–Ferrell–Larkin–Ovchinnikov (FFLO) unconventional superconductors attract renewed interest in recent years. However, an unambiguous experimental demonstration of the FFLO state is hindered by the stringent requirements for its realization. In this paper, we explore the relationship between the magnetic frustration and the emergence of the FFLO state on an anisotropic triangular lattice, based on the self-consistent calculation of the Bogoliubov-de Gennes equations. We find that the required lower critical magnetic field to enter the FFLO state decreases with the increase of both the anisotropic ratio and the on-site Coulomb repulsive interaction. This demonstrates that it is easier to enter the FFLO state on the structurally frustrated triangular lattice in comparison with the square lattice, and suggests that the layered organic superconductors with a triangular lattice may be good candidates for exploring the FFLO state.     

Cracks and topological defects in lyotropic nematic gels

We report on the effects of the coupling of nematic order and elasticity in anisotropic lyotropic gels consisting of large nematic domains of surfactant coated single wall carbon nanotubes embedded in a cross-linked N-isopropyl acrylamide polymer matrix. We observe the following striking features: (i) undulations and then cusping of the gel sidewalls, (ii) a nematic director field that evolves as the gel sidewalls deform, (iii) networks of surface cracks that are orthogonal to the nematic director field, and (iv) fissures at the sidewall cusps and associated topological defects that would not form in liquid nematics.     

Exploration of iron-chalcogenide superconductors

Iron-chalcogenide compounds with FeSe（Te, S） layers did not attract much attention until the discovery of high-Tc superconductivity （SC） in the iron-pnictide compounds at the begining of 2008. Compared with FeAs-based superconductors, iron-chalcogenide superconductors have aroused enormous enthusiasm to study the relationship between SC and magnetisms with several distinct features, such as different antiferromagnetic ground states with relatively large moments in the parents, indicating possibly different superconducting mechanisms, the existence of the excess Fe atoms or Fe vacancies in the crystal lattice. Another reason is that the large single crystals are easily grown for the iron-chalcogenide compounds. This review will focus on our exploration for the iron-chalcogenide superconductors and discussion on several issues, including the crystal structure, magnetic properties, superconductivity, and phase separation. Some of them reach a consensus but some important questions still remain to be answered.     

Hysteresis and noise from electronic nematicity in high-temperature superconductors

An electron nematic is a translationally invariant state which spontaneously breaks the discrete rotational symmetry of a host crystal. In a clean square lattice, the electron nematic has two preferred orientations, while dopant disorder favors one or the other orientations locally. In this way, the electron nematic in a host crystal maps to the random field Ising model. Since the electron nematic has anisotropic conductivity, we associate each Ising configuration with a resistor network and use what is known about the random field Ising model to predict new ways to test for local electronic nematic order (nematicity) using noise and hysteresis. In particular, we have uncovered a remarkably robust linear relation between the orientational order and the resistance anisotropy which holds over a wide range of circumstances.     

Molecular field theory for nematic liquid crystal film with finite layers

The nematic liquid crystal film composed of n molecular layers is studied based upon a spatially anisotropic pair potential, which reproduces approximately the elastic free energy density. On condition that the system has perfect nematic order, as in the Lebwohl—Lasher model, the director in the film is isotropic. The effect of the temperature is investigated by means of molecular field theory. Some new results are obtained. Firstly, symmetry breaking takes place when taking account of the temperature, and the state with the director along the normal of the film has the lowest free energy. Secondly, the N—I phase transition temperature increases as an effect of finite sizes instead of decreasing as in the Lebwohl—Lasher model. Thirdly, the nematic order is induced in the layers near the surface in the isotropic phase.     

Thermodielectric bistability in dual frequency nematic liquid crystal

We report on a thermodielectric bistability in dual frequency nematic liquid crystals (LCs) caused by the anisotropic nature of dielectric heating and director reorientation in an electric field. The bistability is a result of the positive feedback loop: director reorientation --> anisotropic dielectric heating --> dielectric anisotrophy --> director reorientation. We demonstrate both experimentally and theoretically that two states with different temperature and director orientation, namely, a cold planar state and a hot homeotropic state coexist in a LC cell for a certain frequency and amplitude range of the applied voltage.     

Investigate the effect of anisotropic order parameter on the specific heat of anisotropic two-band superconductors

The effect of anisotropic order parameter on the specific heat of anisotropic two-band superconductors in BCS weak-coupling limit is investigated. An analytical specific heat jump and the numerical specific heat are shown by using anisotropic order parameters, and the electron–phonon interaction and non-electron–phonon interaction. The two models of anisotropic order parameters are used for numerical calculation that we find little effect on the numerical results. The specific heat jump of MgB₂, Lu₂Fe₃Si₅ and Nb₃Sn superconductors can fit well with both of them. By comparing the experimental data with overall range of temperature, the best fit is Nb₃Sn, MgB₂, and Lu₂Fe₃Si₅ superconductors.     

Quantum phase transitions in d-wave superconductors

Motivated by the strong, low temperature damping of nodal quasiparticles observed in some cuprate superconductors, we study quantum phase transitions in d(x(2)-y(2)) superconductors with a spin-singlet, zero momentum, fermion bilinear order parameter. We present a complete, group-theoretic classification of such transitions into seven distinct cases (including cases with nematic order) and analyze fluctuations by the renormalization group. We find that only two, the transitions to d(x(2)-y(2))+is and d(x(2)-y(2))+id(xy) pairing, possess stable fixed points with universal damping of nodal quasiparticles; the latter leaves the gapped quasiparticles along (1,0), (0,1) essentially undamped.     

Fermi surface topology effect on interlayer magnetoresistance with in-plane magnetic field in layered multiband system: Application to FeAs-based superconductors

We propose interlayer magnetoresistance experiments which provide information about Fermi surface topology in layered multi-band systems. The interlayer magnetoresistance shows an oscillating behavior with respect to the azimuthal angle of the applied in-plane magnetic field if the Fermi surface is anisotropic. We discuss applications to LaFeAsO, a parent compound of FeAs-based superconductors. We show the results on the paramagnetic state and the antiferromagnetic state based on a mean field calculation.